The dual patent system in the European Union, its problems

Abstract

Aquesta tesi examina el sistema dual de patents dins de la Unió Europea (UE), centrant-se en la interacció entre el sistema tradicional de patent europea i el recentment introduït sistema de patent unitària (UP). Proporciona una anàlisi exhaustiva dels marcs jurídics, els mecanismes procedimentals i les implicacions pràctiques de tots dos sistemes. L'estudi explora el desenvolupament històric del sistema europeu de patents, detallant els esforços per harmonitzar les lleis nacionals de patents i la posterior creació de l'Oficina Europea de Patents (EPO) i del Tribunal Unificat de Patents (UPC).

Esta tesis examina el sistema dual de patentes dentro de la Unión Europea (UE), centrándose en la interacción entre el sistema tradicional de patente europea y el recientemente introducido sistema de patente unitaria (UP). Ofrece un análisis exhaustivo de los marcos jurídicos, los mecanismos procesales y las implicaciones prácticas de ambos sistemas. El estudio explora el desarrollo histórico del sistema europeo de patentes, detallando los esfuerzos por armonizar las leyes nacionales de patentes y la posterior creación de la Oficina Europea de Patentes (EPO) y del Tribunal Unificado de Patentes (UPC).

This thesis examines the dual patent system within the European Union (EU), focusing on the interplay between the traditional European Patent system and the recently introduced Unitary Patent (UP) system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal frameworks, procedural mechanisms, and practical implications of both systems. The study explores the historical development of the European patent system, detailing the efforts to harmonize national patent laws and the subsequent creation of the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). A central objective of this research is to identify the main socio-economic challenges associated with the dual patent system in the EU, approached primarily from a legal perspective. The study thoroughly examines the European Patent system alongside the Unitary Patent system, exploring the regulatory framework, institutional interplay, and practical implications for inventors, businesses, and Member States. By analysing the legal mechanisms that govern patent application, protection, and enforcement, the research seeks to highlight the disparities and inefficiencies that arise from the coexistence of these two systems. In doing so, it aims to offer insights into potential reforms that could address the legal complexities and promote a more harmonized and efficient approach to patent protection in Europe.